Top Issues

Sustained economic growth is the single most powerful factor that leads to the prosperity and well being of Americans. Economic growth affects everyone -- directly through job security, paychecks and health coverage, and indirectly through education, energy and tax policies. The issues as described here will most strongly support sustained economic growth.

Natural Gas: Critical to the U.S. Plastics IndustrySPI strongly supports legislation to allow states to opt out of moratoria against natural gas development activities in the OCS. This will allow near-term access to the enormous natural gas reserves under our offshore waters.

Permanently Extend the R&D Tax CreditSPI strongly supports the R&D credit. The R&D tax credit, originally enacted in 1981, has been extended 12 times. The current extension expired on December 31, 2007 and Congress has not yet acted to extend the credit.

FDA’s Food Contact Notification ProgramMembers of the Food Packaging Industry Coalition are working to continue the necessary funding to continue FDA’s Food Contact Notification program in 2009 and beyond. During the upcoming congressional budget appropriations process, this Coalition asked Congress to support the FDA’s proposed FY 2009 budget of $182 million for CFSAN that includes the needed funding for the FCN Program.

The Currency Reform for Fair Trade ActSPI supports international trade and has benefited from global trade opportunities. However, for U.S. plastics manufacturers to compete, it is imperative that the United States’ global trading partners comply with their international obligations. To the extent that certain countries, including China, are flouting those obligations by undervaluing their currencies, SPI strongly supports H.R. 2942, the “Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act of 2007.” Known as the Ryan-Hunter bill, H.R. 2942 gives U.S. manufacturers harmed by China’s undervalued currency relief under U.S. trade remedy laws.

Union Organizing/Secret-Ballot Election and Card-CheckSPI supports the existing methods for union certification and is strongly opposed to legislation or regulation that would alter, limit, or restrict current fair processes in union recognition elections. The Employee Free Choice Act would allow the National Labor Relations Board to certify a union – and prohibit a secret-ballot election – if presented with signed authorization cards from a majority of employees in support of union certification.

How Can You Make a Difference?

America’s success depends on everyone’s involvement in the election process. Each voter can help bring about the prosperity that goes with economic growth. Some of the best ways to do this include: